PHUKET: One of the top football clubs in Brazil, Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, is entering into a development partnership with Phuket FC.

Pamuke Acariyachai, Chairman of Phuket FC, announced the coming international breakthrough on the Phuket FC Islanders Facebook page today.

The arrangement is expected to lead to further accelleration of Phuket FC's ambitions to become a force in Division One this season on the way to promotion to the Thai Premier League.

Talks are close to the signing stage but it could be two or three weeks before the details are finalised.

Phuket FC already has one Brazilian striker, Dudu, and would welcome more quality players and ideas on improving standards on Phuket ready for the Thai Premier league.

The link to Cruzeiro is an innovative idea - one of many that have transformed Phuket FC this season, on and off the field.

The club now has its own home and training facility under construction in southern Phuket, and a place high up the Division One ladder that the team aims to cement with a win over Ratcha Navy FC at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City on Sunday.

The match begins at 6.30pm. Phuket is in second position, Ratcha Navy FC is in 14th spot.

A large crowd is expected because it's the last game for Phuket FC before the Songkran new year break.